Guide Notes
Panel 3 - part 1
Haltwhistle to Ovingham
32 miles - 1 mile off road



Panel 3 has been split into two sections:-
Part 1 Haltwhistle to Ovingham
Part 2 Ovingham to South Shields

This section is mainly on-road using minor roads with a few short busy road sections, and a short off-road section at Hexham. There a few steep climbs followed by long descents.

The highest point on the entire Hadrian's Cycleway is crossed at Crindledykes at 262 mtrs above Sea Level, shortly after the steep climb up from Vindolanda.

The first section after Haltwhistle is shared with the Pennine Cycleway NCN 68 as far as Smith's Shield where Hadrian's Cycleway turns east again on the "Stanegate".

Several important Roman sites are passed along this section at Vindolanda, Corbridge.
Other Roman sites on Hadrian's Wall are within easy reach from Hadrian's Cycleway.

The signing is generally good with blue NCN 72 or Hadrian's Cycleway 72 being used.
Between Haltwhistle & Smiths Shields signs show both NCN 68 and NCN 72.

These notes are to offer advice and highlight any problem areas along the route.
Click the highlighted place names for more information.

Mile
Notes / Comments / Warnings
117.2 Follow eastbound route
122.2 Bardon Mill - follow signed route under A69(T) road.
It is not advisable to attempt to cross directly over the very busy A69(T) road.

122.2
to
124.6

Steady 130m climb up to Smiths Shield - where the "Stanegate" is joined
It is not advisable to take the direct route bypassing Vindolanda - this is very steep at 1:5.
Alternate route via Westend Town also very steep and narrow (suited for westbound only)
Link to Once Brewed YHA, National Park Vistors Centre 1/2 mile and Steel Rigg 1 mile


A slightly overburdened sign post at Smith's Shield
Click photo for larger view of sign.
125.2

Entrance to Vindolanda - Chesterholm - steep 40m 1:7 climb to Crindledykes.


Replica's of Hadrian's Wall at Vindolanda
126.4 Link to Housesteads Roman Fort passing Crindledykes Lime Kiln
126.6 Crindledykes - highest point of Hadrian's Cycleway - 262 m. above sea level - then 4 mile fast 195m descent on the "Stanegate" to Fourstones.
133.1 Fourstones Village - short steep hill on B6319
Note:- it is not advisable to use the road direct to Bridge End as the road has no verges, is narrow and winding.
134.6

Link to Chesters Roman Fort

138.2
and
138.7 		Level Crossings over railway - take great care in using and if in a large group cross over in very small groups - trains run at high speeds along this section.
Alternate unsigned route via rough riverside tracks through Tyne Green Country Park.
138.4 Tyne Green Riverside Park - Tea Rooms and Toilets
139.2
to
139.4

Hexham County Bridge - cross with care or walk along the down stream footway.
On north side - take care turning right to Corbridge.
Watch out for fast traffic coming down from the A69(T) road.

Hexham and River Crossings


County Bridge - Hexham
142.1

Entrance to Corbridge Roman Site

142.0

Corbridge follow One Way road system

Corbridge and River Crossings

143.2
to
144.7

Long steady climb on busy road - at summit take care turning right to Bywell.
A future verge path for part of this section is planned.


The turning for Bywell
145.0

Fast descent on narrow road with sharp bends, uneven in places.
This road has recently been resurfaced and has loose grit on the corners - take care.

147.7 Narrow road with passing places along the north bank of the River Tyne - can be busy in summer.
150.2

The Bridges at Ovingham - the road bridge is very narrow and traffic flow is uncontrolled and no cycling is permitted on the footbridge,

If using road bridge ride down the middle to prevent cars trying to overtake
and ignore the car horns !!
If using footbridge - please dismount and walk across.

On south bank turn right into car parking area and the Tyne Riverside Country Park.
Toilets are available at the Visitors Centre.
Adam & Eve PH just over the level crossing on the right - food served all day.


Ovingham Bridges viewed from the north bank
footbridge (L) & road bridge (R)

Select and click sign for continuation of Guide notes between
Ovingham Bridge and the Finish at South Shields or Tynemouth
Note: the urban section through Tyneside can be difficult in places to follow.

Panel 3 - Brief guide notes
Ovingham Bridge to South Shields or Tynemouth

Panel 3 - Detailed guide notes with line sketch maps of the urban section between Ovingham Bridge and South Shields or Tynemouth